Reading is a wondrous thing. But let’s face it, sometimes the only opportunity we have to really slow down and enjoy a good book is while we’re traveling (seems like it should be the other way around, right?!)—at the airport, on the plane, by the pool, on the beach, by a roaring fire in a cozy mountain Swiss chalet (ok, that one is wishful thinking)…and, of course, at grandma’s house over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Here’s a look at what influencers around the globe are reading, and recommending, this holiday season.

I just purchased The Vacationers by Emma Straub. It was suggested by my dear friend Athena Calderone and it’s sure to be the perfect beach read for our trip to Miami over the Thanksgiving holiday. I also just finished Me before You by Jojo Moyes. Such a beautiful read, and I zipped right through it on the plane…I did have a few tears though, so if that sort of thing embarrasses you then read the end at home.

I just finished reading it. This year I’ve become fascinated with Hemingway’s life after reading The Paris Wife (by Paula McLain). I’ve always loved novels and movies based on Paris in the 20’s, and so reading about it from Hemingway’s personal memories with anecdotes of personalities we’ve come to idolize, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, really transports you to this era in such a unique way. Hemingway makes you feel like an insider. Next up I’m reading The Sun Also Rises, which he wrote around this time as well.

I just read this and it’s now my favorite book ever. It was recommended by my mum and it’s the most amazing story of a fictional man’s life that shows you no matter what happens you can get through anything. Such a beautiful book!

I am a big fan of personal essays—especially from the female perspective—and this looks insightful, fresh and entertaining (the ideal trifecta!). Daum is being hailed as her generation’s Joan Didion, so props for that. I’ll be reading it on a plane to California for Thanksgiving, and although the cover is chic, I’ll most likely opt for the Kindle edition on my iPad.

I have been a fan of authors, Dan Seigel and Tina Bryson for years. Their approach to parenting and overall communication with children is done with peace and love. No Drama Discipline has been a game-changer in the way that my husband and I parent and overcome daily challenges with our kids. Whenever I’m having one of those “what do I do moments” I grab the book, read a page or two, and it immediately reminds me to take a deep breath and have a clearer understanding of our children’s needs. Once you understand that behavior is a form of communication, everything makes so much more sense.

In addition to running my website, I am now also the Style Director at Travel + Leisure, so I’m going to spend the holidays doing a bit of homework (there’s lots of travel-reading on my to-do list). My friend and colleague Jeffries Blackerby, who is an excellent editor and a gentleman of impeccable taste, recommended this book to me as one of his favorites. Done. I’ll start it at home in Brooklyn during Thanksgiving and finish it in L.A. with my family over Christmas.

Micaela English, Web Editor, Town & Country
Book: I’ll Drink To That: A Life In Style With A Twist by Betty Halbreich

My father surprised me with Betty Halbreich’s autobiography last month and I can’t recommend it enough (Betty is the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman). It’s a tale of a woman who is unhappy with her life and changes direction by becoming a personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman—where she still works, at age 86. Betty tells the story with a sassy sense of humor, even referring to herself as a “tough broad.” The glamorous descriptions of her outfits and her blunt wisdom are like your fashion fairy godmother who doesn’t hold back. I highlighted many of her tart, laugh out loud hysterical quotes, including: “In my little corner of the store, I’m direct and truthful—two words not normally associated with the world of retail. I don’t flatter or make nice-nice.” If you love books about empowering real-life women, New York City, or fashion, you need to read this book! This Thanksgiving weekend I plan to curl up next to the fireplace at my parents home in Southport, CT and read Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I think she is just hysterical and right now I’m on a real comedy kick.